I'm wondering if someone can be me a few clues as to tunes that might get played a bit in the session bar at the National this year. The thing is, 3 of us have been going down for I think 4 years now, and roll up to the bar, busting to play a few and join in, and then proceed to sit there loving the tunes, but not able to participate in more than half a dozen.
I guess part of the problem is we play together in a place a little off the beaten track ITM wise, so don't get to learn the same tunes as maybe the Sydney or Melbourne people do.
So, maybe I can get a headstart and get a bunch up to speed beforehand. I realise there are thousands to learn ( working on that ), but if some kind soul could lend a hand....
ps this is not a windup!! ;)
It's a great question....and I want to know the answer too. Six weeks of practicing a couple that will be played and I might be able to NOT embarass myself and not just sit there with fiddle on lap looking hopeful all the time!
Sounds great. Especially the word subversive!
I'll have a look around for a tune. I did think there'd be more than 2 of us going though, or are we the only ones sitting home on a saturday night... scary thought
"ceolachan" - "Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead" has actually been recorded as a polka by Nuala Kennedy and Eilidh Shaw and others- can't remember the name of the band, but I heard it last year.
Dow and bb are going to learn all the tunes from this
It would be great if you pulled together a 'few' sets of local composition, meaning that particular island of miscreants and troublemakers ~ by Royal Disposition... Maybe at least one reel set, if you can get the tunes to agree, and a jig set, and a swung set, and something 3/4??? There are also some interesting versions of old standards in the repertoire there, meaning tunes of course.
Thanks for the tune Kenny. Just woke up (cant seem to get the hang of music 24 hours a day, hmmm) and missed all the action. Ceolachan, you've pricked my conscience. Here I am learning tunes from the other side of the world without studying closer to home. A fine idea.
See if you can get a copy of this, Kenny too. Dow/Mark turned me on to this recording, nice and laid back playing and some interesting takes on old favourites...
England, and it is the other way around, a Brit in Oz, Mark, and not so much study as pester factor 25... I haven't had much exposure at all, but when studying dance and the music it always overlaps to there, Australia and New Zealand. Over time we've had a few crossings and I've taught some folks from down that way... Sadly, those 'crossings' have never been us arriving on those shores. I was heading there when I met the love of my life, and then illness in the family brought us back here. I had dreams of apprenticing with one of the finest instrument makers in the world who happened to live there. I also lost track of a friend who used to be very involved in the folk scene there in Australia... So all my knowledge and experience is second hand, but that doesn't put a damper on my appreciation and respect...
Back to my tipple tonight ~ Champs, and the bubbles are having their effect... I hope you manage to get that recording, as I'm sure you'll enjoy it...
That'd be lovely... I have hopes too, we both do, and we've clinked glasses tonight to those future adventures...
Aside from those things already mentioned, music & dance ~ we appreciate the wines and good food from there too... One of our favourites was from there ~ sparkling shiraz, especially when the liquorice is pronounced...
'Is' from there & we have one in the fridge for later this week. It's half term, my dear wife teaches primary and has the week off... If you luck out and make it to Canberra let me know how it goes... I've no doubt it will be great craic...
Sparkling Shiraz! Well well, I didn't realise that Aus variety had travelled so far. Which one is your favourite?
Hang on.
Suddenly remembered a recent thread on sticking to discussion of music on this site
By the way, could you recommend a set you are playing at the moment. I WILL learn a bunch of new tunes before Canberra one way or another.
Garech's Wedding (also spelt Garrett's Wedding on Session 289) is a bit of a favourite at the moment, and sometimes we play it with The Butterfly. Curvey Fiddle, if you're there, how about that for Canberra??
Sounds great. I'm a beginner....so most of the tunes that I have memorised probably are in the 'tired' category....but they are on the DVDs and tutorial CD's I've been doing lots of learning from. ...or I'd learned them on the mandolin and have been appyling them to the fiddle.
I've memorised Bill Sullivan's polka and Britches Full of Stitches from the Kevin Burke DVD. Have a few more jigs (Saddle the Pony, Lilting Banshee, The Kesh, My Darling Asleep, Tobin's Favourite, Tripping up the Stairs, Geese in the Bog, Rose in the Heather, the Donegal version of the Irish Washerwoman, Scatter the Mud, Three Drummers, Shandon Bells, and Top of Cork Road)...and only The Silver Spear and Anderson's reels at the moment. Do know the Butterfly from mando days and will be able to brush it up and will now learn Garech's wedding. I'm going to Adrian Barkers Irish fiddle masterclass in the week before the festival.....so I guess I'll have acquired a couple of more tunes from that too!
Just found this thread. Unfortunately I can't think of how best to answer your question, because I don't know what tunes people will be playing at the National this year either. I know some of the Sydney crowd are going to be there, including bb, my friend Ivan and my session partner in crime Mary, and the Trouble In The Kitchen people will be there with the Melbourne crowd. The problem is that all these people have rather large repertoires of 1000+ or into the thousands, and could come out with any tune pretty much, which is part of the fun of course, but impossible if you're trying to pin down what tunes to learn.
I can tell you for my part that I'm going to make an effort to learn some tunes off the CD Kenny posted in that link above. I'm also into Cian sets at the mo in a big way, after receiving their album "Three Shouts" from slainte off this website (thanks slainte!) so I can see myself playing some of their tunes, including the Silver Reel, which bb likes too. I'm obsessed by the 2 McKenna's reels at the moment for no apparent reason, and also the First Month Of Summer. Oh and Bill Nicholson's 67th which I just posted.
Tunes I like to play with Mary at our Sydney session - also for no apparent reason - are the Humours of Loughrea which she likes to start on her concertina, the Spike Island Lasses and Sweeney's Dream is a tune we've been playing a lot with Mary on fiddle. We also love Shandon Bells. As Mary says: "an oldie but a goodie". And the Gatehouse Maid and all those sorts of tunes. Mind you, that might have changed by the time Easter comes around and we could well be onto something else.
Also The One That Was Lost is gaining popularity, followed in Sydney sessions by Pull The Knife And Stick It Again. You can't go wrong with the The Broken Pledge but some people go and play it in Em and it's never as nice like that.
Flooded Road To Glenties is one tune that is 100% guaranteed especially if bb is around. Go to bb's profile and learn all the tunes on her YouTube posting with Ado and Katiebee - Palmer's Gate, Curlew, Kit O'Connor's - they're also bound to be played at some point.
I can see the Exile Of Erin being played, and if bb is there probably also the Pint Of Reference and all the funky syncopated Flook and Calico and McGoldrick tunes that are adored by bb and the Melbourne and Brisbane crowds, particularly the Ramnee Ceilidh set with Natterjack's and Conlagh's Big Day.
Someone always seems to start the Small Hills Of Offaly and Farewell to Old Decency set, which I love.
Tunes that I associate with last year's sessions are The Phoenix, and, bizarrely, the Holy Land, which I tend to associate with the old Bothy Band recording rather than the funky New Age, but there ya go - can't deny it's a great tune.
On the other hand, it's quite possible that these won't be played, although unlikely I think. I reckon at least a few of them will get an airing.
What I suggest is that you bring a recording device and record as many tunes as you can, and learn them from the recording. That way you'll get a good idea of what tunes get played, and you'll be able to prepare yourself for next year. Good luck!
Well! thats got me going.
I really appreciate the clues, and no doubt there'll be heaps I don't know, but at least it's a start.There are a lot of benefits of living up the coast, but a few pitfalls as well. We'd love to visit a session in Sydney one day, so I've done the research on when and where. who knows, maybe when we come down for Lunasa.
Great stuff Dow.
I however had that moment of panic I had every bloody sports carnival at school, when me who can't run to save myself, found I'd been talked into entering a race for the house points, knowing I'd finish humiliatingly a lap behind everyone else....but finishing anyway was the only way to get anything out of it! It's so frustrating sometimes being an adult learner who knows how much I don't know!
1.) Keep your polka sets to no more than a maximum of 4, and less would be best...
2.) I'm reviewing Dow's creative output and will submit a couple of ideas here later for consideration... Like with dogs, you know, they say if you rub their face in it they will stop doing it where you don't want them to...?!
Dow's reeling, chosen for the greater variety of possible instruments... "Tune the Flute" has to be a must, just for the title...and the visiting dignitary from Aberdeen...
There are three single and three double reels in all:
So thats work on a couple or three tunes a day, and x days to go, carry the 4 plus double on weekends...........
and curvy, I was thinking along the lines of keep a stiff upper lip, but maybe that would only work for flutes and whistles? How about shoulders back and head up??? Go girl.
For those who've never been to the National before, I really should warn you about the 'Session Experience' (as it's called in the festival brochure). Often the whole Session Bar area is full of various groups of people trying hard to out-play the neighbouring sessions, which might be some bluegrass outfit or massed accordions blasting away! Be prepared to be assaulted by a cacophony of clashing sessions belting away in close proximity, with the sound of double bass or congas drifting across the room to interfere with your tunes. Sometimes I've felt like I've just walked into Session Hell - (or maybe it was those bad mushies).
Sometimes, usually after all the sane people are fast asleep, I've heard great music happening and it makes it all worthwhile (or it could be those mushies kicking in ....)
I'd love someone to convince me I've got it all wrong, and I should just stick to drinking guinness.
Hi Ian, you're so right about the session hall at the National. The words 'cacophony' and 'competition' certainly do come to my mind every time I think about that place.
On the other hand, players such as myself, with more modest tunelists, could always stick as close as possible to that great man, Billy Moran, who was always there and always willing to share the music, including generous doses of all the 'old standards'. Sadly, that will be no longer possible. He had a passionate belief in inclusive sessions and will be sorely missed by everyone.
Tonight I'm going to play a few, and a big thankyou to all who've responded. No matter what age you are, entering a new way of communicating, with people you've never met, is a nervy experience. Ta for making me feel welcome!
"Session Hell" ~ at other events we always went other than to the 'organized' venues to play, something more laid back and less of a fight. An example would be the Clancy Summer School, we didn't tend to stay in Miltown and some of the best sessions were out in the open...
Here's just one more local composition, a jig by a resident of the land of Oz, just added here, that is simple and jolly and would be an easy learn but also allows folks some play...as I've been enjoying today. It seems very familiar, but that is a good sign:
Here's some of the tunes I can remember playing at some point between Thursday and Monday:
REELS
The Abbey
The Abbeyleix [Sean Ryan]
Aggie Whyte’s
Anderson’s (Pretty Girls Of The Village)
The Antrim Rose [Paddy O’Brien Offaly]
Are You Ready Yet? [Tom Doorley]
The Ashplant
The Aughacashel [Josephine Keegan]
The Bag Of Spuds #1
The Bag Of Spuds #2
The Bank Of Ireland
The Banks Of The Illen
The Banshee [James McMahon]
The Barge Inn [Paddy O’Brien Nenagh]
The Barrowburn [Addie Harper]
The Beauty Spot
The Belles Of Tipperary (The New Policeman)
The Bird In The Bush
Black Pat's [Tommy Peoples]
The Blackberry Blossom
The Black-eyed Sailor (Sheehan’s)
The Blacksmith’s
The Blockers [Sean Ryan]
The Bloom Of Youth
Bob McQuillen’s
Boil The Breakfast Early
Bonnie Anne #1
Bonnie Anne #2
Bonny Kate
The Boogie [John Nolan]
The Boy In The Boat
The Boys Of Ballisodare
The Boys Of Malin
The Boys On The Hilltop
Brenda Stubbert’s [Jerry Holland]
Brendan McMahon’s
The Broken Pledge
The Bucks Of Oranmore
The Bunch Of Currants (Esther’s, The Three-headed Monster, Miss Brady’s)
The Bunch Of Green Rushes
The Bunch Of Keys (3-part)
Bunker Hill
The Bush In Bloom
The Cameronian
The Cape Breton Fiddler’s Welcome To Shetland
Carmel Mahoney Mulhaire [Martin Mulhaire]
Castle Kelly
The Chicago
Christmas Eve [Tommy Coen]
The Coachman’s Whip [Vincent Broderick]
The College Groves
The Collier’s
Colonel Rodger’s Favourite (John McKenna’s #1)
Come West Along The Road
The Commodore [Billy McComiskey]
The Concert
The Concertina
The Congress
The Connaught Heifers
Cooley’s (Luttrell’s Pass)
The Corner House
The Cottage In The Grove (Tommy Coen’s, The Crosses Of Annagh)
Craig’s Pipes
The Crib Of Perches
The Crooked Road To Dublin
The Crosses Of Annagh (Bobby Casey’s) [Michael Dwyer]
Crossing The Shannon
Crowley's #1
Crowley's #2
The Culfadda [Larry Redican]
The Cup Of Tea
The Curlew [Josephine Keegan]
The Custom Gap (The Mills Are Grinding)
The Dairy Maid
Derry Craig Wood (Mulvihill’s) [Fr. P.J. Kelly]
The Destitution [Ian Stevenson]
Devanny’s Goat
The Dogs Among The Bushes
Donald Blue
The Donegal
The Doonagore (Micho Russell's)
Dowd’s #9
Down The Broom
Drowsy Maggie
The Drunken Landlady
The Drunken Tinker
The Dublin
The Duke Of Leinster
The Dunmore Lasses
The Earl's Chair
The East Clare
Eileen Curran (The Sailor’s Return)
The Enchanted Lady
Farewell To Connaught
Farewell To Miltown [Junior Crehan]
Farrel O’Gara’s
Father Kelly’s (Rossmore Jetty)
The First House In Connaught
The First Month Of Summer
The Five Mile Chase
The Flax In Bloom
The Floating Crowbar [Brendan McGlinchey]
The Flowers Of Red Hill (The Hills Of Clogher)
The Flowers Of The Red Mill
For The Sake Of Old Decency
The Four Courts
The Four Mile Stone [Arthur Darley]
The Fox On The Town [Richard Dwyer]
The Galtee
The Galway Rambler
Garrett Barry’s
The Gatehouse Maid
The Gates Of Mullagh [Josephine Keegan]
Geoghan’s (Eileen O'Callaghan's)
George White’s Favourite
The Glass Of Beer
Glen Allen
The Glen Of Aherlow (Lafferty’s) [Sean Ryan]
The Glencolmcille
Glountane School – 1862 [Terry “Cuz” Teehan]
The Golden Keyboard [Martin Mulhaire]
The Gooseberry Bush
Gorman’s
The Graf Spee
The Green Fields Of America
The Green Fields Of Glentown [Tommy Peoples]
The Green Fields Of Rossbeigh
The Green Groves Of Erin
The Green Mountain
The Guns Of The Magnificent Seven [Fintan McManus]
Hand Me Down The Tackle
Hanly’s Tweed [Paddy O’Brien Nenagh]
The Happy Days Of Youth (John McKenna’s #2)
The Heathery Braes
The Heathery Cruach
The Heights Of Muingbhathá [Tom Fleming]
The High Road To Glin [Martin Mulvihill]
The Holly Bush [Finbar Dwyer]
The Holy Land
The Honeymoon
The House Of Hamill [Ed Reavy]
Hughie Travers’ #1
The Humours Of Lissadell
The Humours Of Scarriff
The Humours Of Tulla
The Humours Of Westport
The Hunter’s House [Ed Reavy]
I'm Ready Now!
In And Out The Harbour
The Ivy Leaf
Jackie Coleman’s #1
Jackson’s #1
Jackson’s #2
Jenny’s Chickens
Jenny Picking Cockles #1
Jenny Picking Cockles #2
Jenny’s Wedding
Jenny's Welcome To Charlie
John McFadden’s Favourite
The Jolly Clamdiggers (The Blackthorn)
The Jug Of Punch
Julia Delaney’s
The Killarney Boys Of Pleasure
The Killavil Fancy (The Ten Pound Float)
King Of The Clans
Kiss Me Kate
Kit O’Connor’s
Kitty’s Gone A-Milking
The Knotted Cord [Junior Crehan]
The Kylebrack Rambler [Finbar Dwyer]
La Cosa Mulligan (Jackson’s) [Tommy Peoples]
Lad O’Beirne’s #1 (G)
Lad O’Beirne’s #2 (F)
The Lads Of Laois
The Ladies’ Choice #1 [Charlie Lennon] (as reel)
The Ladies’ Choice #2 [Charlie Lennon]
Lady Anne Montgomery
The Lady On The Island
Larry Redican’s Bow
Larry’s Favourite [Paddy O’Brien Nenagh]
Last Night’s Fun
Launching The Boat
The Leitrim Lilter [Charlie Lennon]
Leslie’s
The Letterkenny Blacksmith [Ed Reavy]
The Limerick Lasses
The Limestone Rock
Little Katie Taylor [Paddy Taylor]
The Log Cabin
Lomanach Cross (Cros An Lomanaigh, Sean Maguire’s, The Fourpenny Bit)
The London Lasses
The Long Drop [Richard Twomey]
The Long Strand
A Long Way From Home (The Trip To Kinvara) [Martin Mulhaire]
The Longford Collector
The Longford Tinker (The Longford Spinster)
Lord Gordon’s
Lord McDonald’s
Love At The Endings [Ed Reavy]
Lucy Campbell’s
Maddy Donovan’s [Adrian Barker]
Maggie’s Pancakes [Stuart Morrison]
The Maids Of Mitchelstown
The Maids Of Mount Kisco
Mama’s Pet #1
Mama’s Pet #2
The Man Of The House
The Margaree
Martin Wynne’s #1
Martin Wynne’s #2
Martin Wynne’s #3
Master McDermott’s
Maud Millar #1
Maudabawn Chapel [Ed Reavy]
Mayor Harrison’s Fedora
McDonagh’s #2
McFadden’s Handsome Daughter
McGovern’s Favourite
The Milliner’s Daughter
Miss McLeod’s
Miss Thornton’s
The Mistress On The Floor (Bean a’ Tí ar Lár)
The Monaghan Twig
The Morning Dew
The Morning Mist [Joe Burke]
The Morning Star
The Mossy Banks
The Mountain Top
Mulhaire’s #9 [Martin Mulhaire]
The Mullingar Races
Mulqueen’s
Music In The Glen
The Musical Priest
My Love Is In America
Natterjack’s [Colin Farrell]
The New Copperplate
A Night In Ennis (Jim Kelly’s)
The Nine Points Of Roguery
The Noisy Curlew (Jack Maguire’s)
Now She's Purring (Callaghan’s)
O’Connell's Trip To Parliament
The Old Bush
The Old Copperplate
The Old Dudeen
The Old Schoolmaster
The Otter’s Holt [Junior Crehan]
Over The Bog Road (The Hurricane’s Victory)
Over The Moor To Maggie
Paddy Murphy’s Wife
Paddy Taylor’s
The Palm Tree [Billy McComiskey]
Palmer’s Gate [Joe Liddy]
Patsy Touhey’s
The Peeler’s Jacket
The Pigeon On The Gate #1
The Pigeon On The Gate #2
Pint Of Reference [Gráda]
The Plough And The Stars [Larry Redican?]
Poor But Happy At 53 (Michael Tennyson’s)
The Pretty Girls Of Mayo
The Primrose Lasses
The Providence
Rachael Rae
Rags And Tatters [Larry Redican]
The Rainy Day #1
The Rainy Day #2
Rakish Paddy
The Rambling Sailor
The Reconciliation
The Red-haired Lass
Repeal Of The Union
The Return To Camden Town
The Return To Miltown (The Ferry Banks)
Rip The Calico (The Clogher)
The Road To Ballymac [Leslie Craig]
Rocky’s
Roddy McDonald’s Fancy [Donald MacLeod]
Ronnie Cooper [Josephine Keegan]
The Roscommon
The Sailor’s Bonnet
The Sally Gardens
The Sandmount
The Scartaglen
Sean Reid’s
Sean Sa Cheo (Johnny In The Fog)
Sergeant Early’s Dream
Shamrock Hill [Sean Ryan]
The Shaskeen
Sheila Coyle’s
The Ships Are Sailing
The Shoemaker’s Daughter [Ed Reavy]
The Silver Spear
The Silver Spire
The Skylark [James Morrison]
Sleep Soond In Da Moarnin’
The Sligo Maid
The Small Hills Of Offaly [Paddy O’Brien Offaly]
Solus Lillis’
Speed The Plough (Tom Billy’s)
The Spike Island Lasses
The Star Of Munster
The Steampacket
Stony Steps
The Sunny Banks
The Sunset [Cathal McConnell & Seamus Quinn]
The Swallow’s Nest [Paddy O’Brien]
Sweeney’s Dream
Sweeney’s Buttermilk [Brendan McGlinchey]
Swinging On A Gate
The Sword In The Hand
Tarbolton Lodge
The Templehouse
That’s Right Too [Liz Carroll]
Tim Moloney’s
Tom Ward’s Downfall (The Mourne Mountains)
Tommy Peoples’ #1 (G)
Tommy Peoples’ #2 (Bm)
Toss The Feathers #2
Trim The Velvet
The Trip To Cullenstown [Phil Murphy]
The Trip To Durrow
The Trip To Pakistan [Niall Kenny]
The Turnpike
The Twelve Pins [Charlie Lennon]
Twilight In Portroe [Sean Ryan]
Two Days To Go [Diarmaid Moynihan]
The Virginia
The Whole Chicken In The Soup (Maggie Pickens)
The Wild Irishman
The Wind That Shakes The Barley
Windbroke [Mick McGoldrick]
The Windmill [Ciaran Curran]
Within A Mile Of Dublin
The Woman Of The House
The Yellow Tinker
JIGS
Andy De Jarlis’
Apples In Winter
Banish Misfortune
The Banks Of Lough Gowna
The Battering Ram
Behind The Haystack
Biddy The Bold
Bill Sullivan’s
The Black Rogue
The Blarney Pilgrim
The Blue Idol
The Bluebells Are Blooming [Michael Dwyer]
Brady’s
Brid Harper’s
The Burnt Old Man
The Butcher’s March
By Golly (Jimmy Neary’s)
Calliope House [Dave Richardson]
The Castle [Sean Ryan]
Christy Barry’s
The Cliffs Of Moher
Condon’s Frolics
The Connaughtman’s Rambles
Culcrevie (I Lost My Love And I Care Not, I Found My Love In The Morning, Bundle And Go)
The Cullen (Cuilinn Uí Chaoimh)
Dancing Eyes [Sean Ryan]
Doctor O’Neill’s
Donnybrook Fair (The Joy Of My Life)
Dusty Windowsills [Johnny Harling]
Fasten The Leggin’
Father O’Flynn (Top Of The Cork Road)
The Flowers Of Spring (Tom Billy’s)
The Frost Is All Over
Glasgow Gaelic Club
Gallagher’s Frolics
Garrett Barry's
Gillan's Apples
The Hag At The Churn
The Hag With The Money
The Haunted House [Vincent Broderick]
Have A Drink With Me
The Hawthorn Hedge
Health To The Ladies (Sweet Biddy Daly’s)
The High Part Of The Road
The Humours Of Ballyloughlin
The Humours Of Glendart
The Humours Of Lisheen
The Humours Of Trim (The Rolling Waves)
I Buried My Wife And Danced On Her Grave
I Ne’er Shall Wean Her
Ingonish [Mike MacDougall]
Jim Ward’s
Joe Derrane’s
Joe John Kelly’s
The Kerfunten [Hammy Hamilton]
The Kesh
The Kilfenora #1
The Knocknagow
Langstrom’s Pony
The Lark In The Morning
The Lark On The Strand
Larry O’Gaff’s
The Legacy
The Leitrim Fancy
The Lilting Fisherman
The Loughing Spoons [Carl Hession]
Lucy Farr’s
The Luaithreadán’s [Scully Casey]
The Maid At The Well
The Maid On The Green
March From Oscar And Malvina (Leslie’s March) [Maria De Caro]
Matt Hayes’
Michael Dwyer’s (Connie O’Connell’s)
The Mist On The Meadows
The Mist-covered Mountain [Junior Crehan]
The Mug Of Brown Ale
Muireann’s [Niall Vallely]
Munster Bacon
Munster Buttermilk
My Darling Asleep
The Nightingale [Sean Ryan]
The Old Flail [Vincent Broderick]
Old Joe’s
The Old Tipperary
Out On The Ocean
Paddy Fahy’s (Gdor)
Paddy O’Rafferty
Palm Sunday
Pay The Reckoning (Jackson’s Bottle Of Brandy)
The Pipe On The Hob #1
The Pipe On The Hob #2
Pull The Knife And Stick It In Again
Quilty Shore (Scully Casey’s)
The Rakes Of Clonmel
The Rambles Of Mike [Carl Hession]
The Rambling Pitchfork
The Roaring Barmaid [Tony Sullivan]
The Rollicking Boys Of Tanderagee
The Rose In The Heather
Scatter The Mud (The Noonday Feast)
The Scotsman Over The Border
Sixpenny Money
Spórt [Peadar O’Riada]
Stan Chapman’s (Willie’s Trip To Toronto) [Jerry Holland]
The Steamboat Quickstep (The Kilfenora #2)
Strike The Gay Harp
The Tenpenny Bit (G)
Thompson’s
Tom Billy’s
The Trip To Killavil
The Trip To Sligo
A Trip To The Cottage
Up And About In The Morning
The Wheels Of The World
The Whistling Postman [Charlie Mulvihill]
Willie Coleman’s (Mice In The Cupboard)
The Woodcock [Hammy Hamilton]
HORNPIPES
Bonaparte Crossing The Rhine
The Cuckoo’s Nest
The Drunken Sailor’s
The Hills Of Coore [Junior Crehan]
The Stack Of Rye [Junior Crehan]
SLIP/HOP JIGS
The Boys Of Ballysodare
The Butterfly
The Choice Wife (An Phis Fhliuch)
The Cock And The Hen
Dever The Dancer
Drops Of Brandy
The Fairy
Farewell To Whalley Range [Mike McGoldrick]
A Fig For A Kiss
Gort Na Mona [Michael Rooney]
The Humours Of Ballymanus
The Humours Of Whiskey
The Little Fair Cannavans
The Striking Clock [Gráda]
Tigh Rabhartaigh [Michael Rooney]
The Whinney Hills Of Leitrim
+ some polkas and slides I suppose, but I don't remember playing any myself, and the only fling I remember playing is the Road To Gloutane.
yeah, I didn't sleep at night till Mon- we tried to play in the kitchen last night but everyone was pretty incapable. My whole body hurts at this stage. It was worth it though, one of the best yet I reckon. Only 358 days to go
So here are some stats:
(Caveat - of course a tune or two might have been wrongly classified, but the gist of it should be OK.)
A) 255 of the 473 tunes on the list above are not on any other of the lists discussed recently
B) 28 (47%) of "Dow's core 60" were played by him at the National
C) 66 (67%) of the 98 played one night in Kelly's in March were played by him at the National
D) 64 (71%) of the 90 played one night in Kelly's in April were played by him at the National
E) 14 were played at both those Kelly's sessions - 13 of these were played.
And for my really personal interest:
F) Only 20% of the tunes I know got aired, but then I know relatively few reels.
E) Restricting the analysis to the 99 jigs and reels I know (out of 245 tunes at the count when this list was prepared), 49 (49%) got played.
Hmm, interesting. You'd maybe also have to take into account that the sessions I chose to go to were mostly with the older musicians who were into stuff like the Bothy Band and Planxty, so the tunes were mostly traditional session standards. I spent very little time playing with the younger crowd in faster sessions, mainly because I prefer my tunes at a relaxed pace. In the faster sessions there would be more tunes from bands like Flook, Grada, Tabache, Cian etc, and also (relatively) recently released solo/duet albums like for instance Andy Morrow/Tony O'Connell. If I'd spent more time at these sessions you'd probably have less correlation with the Kelly's session tunes, and also with the core tunes list, mainly because the young funky crowd would rather gouge their own insides out with a crowbar than play Drowsy Maggie tunes.
Tunes for the National, Canberra
Tunes for the National, Canberra
I'm wondering if someone can be me a few clues as to tunes that might get played a bit in the session bar at the National this year. The thing is, 3 of us have been going down for I think 4 years now, and roll up to the bar, busting to play a few and join in, and then proceed to sit there loving the tunes, but not able to participate in more than half a dozen.
), but if some kind soul could lend a hand....
I guess part of the problem is we play together in a place a little off the beaten track ITM wise, so don't get to learn the same tunes as maybe the Sydney or Melbourne people do.
So, maybe I can get a headstart and get a bunch up to speed beforehand. I realise there are thousands to learn ( working on that
ps this is not a windup!! ;)
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by whistlers brother
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
It's a great question....and I want to know the answer too. Six weeks of practicing a couple that will be played and I might be able to NOT embarass myself and not just sit there with fiddle on lap looking hopeful all the time!
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by FiddleFancy
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Know exactly what you mean curvy fiddle. What do they say about prior planning....??
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by whistlers brother
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Hey - but we could start a subversive movement. Pick a tune. I'll learn it. And if we are the only one's who know it........we'll have tried!
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by FiddleFancy
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Sounds great. Especially the word subversive!
I'll have a look around for a tune. I did think there'd be more than 2 of us going though, or are we the only ones sitting home on a saturday night... scary thought
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by whistlers brother
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
I've just booked the tickets - yee-haw !
Dow and I might get round to playing this one:
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display/1878
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by Kenny
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
But hey - I'm the visitor. e-mail me a list of the tunes YOU play, and if I don't know them, I'll have a go at learning them.
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by Kenny
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Songs from the Wizard of OZ, like "If I Only Had a Brain" ~ with swing!!! "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead" with verve ~
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Lucky you Kenny, I'm jealous ~ have a blast, and I've no doubt you will...
I'd love to see what tunes show up here on the play list... Someone wake up Dow and bb... Too bad Jack won't be there, or maybe?
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
'c' - I've heard of marijuana, cocaine & heroin, but 'swing' & 'verve' - they must be knew, are they?
Have a good one Kenny.
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by Ptarmigan
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
"ceolachan" - "Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead" has actually been recorded as a polka by Nuala Kennedy and Eilidh Shaw and others- can't remember the name of the band, but I heard it last year.
Dow and bb are going to learn all the tunes from this
http://www.thesession.org/recordings/display/1726
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by Kenny
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
"If I Only Had a Brain" has also aired as a hornpipe / barndance...
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
That's a nice solid batch of tunes Kenny...
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
"Harem Scarem" was the name of the band.
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by Kenny
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
http://www.footstompin.com/artists/harem_scarem
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
It would be great if you pulled together a 'few' sets of local composition, meaning that particular island of miscreants and troublemakers ~ by Royal Disposition... Maybe at least one reel set, if you can get the tunes to agree, and a jig set, and a swung set, and something 3/4??? There are also some interesting versions of old standards in the repertoire there, meaning tunes of course.
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
http://www.folkfestival.asn.au/
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Thanks for the tune Kenny. Just woke up (cant seem to get the hang of music 24 hours a day, hmmm) and missed all the action. Ceolachan, you've pricked my conscience. Here I am learning tunes from the other side of the world without studying closer to home. A fine idea.
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by whistlers brother
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
I imagine there are websites for Australian dance sets. Will go looking. It will be interesting to see how the miles have changed them.
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by whistlers brother
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
"Undertones: Irish Music from Australia"
Adrian Barker And Ben Stephenson
Submitted on May 17th 2006 by katiebee.
http://www.thesession.org/recordings/display/2011
See if you can get a copy of this, Kenny too. Dow/Mark turned me on to this recording, nice and laid back playing and some interesting takes on old favourites...
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Thanks c. I guess from the time you're awake that you're northern hemisphere. How did you come to study Aus influenced tunes? Seems you study widely
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by whistlers brother
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
England, and it is the other way around, a Brit in Oz, Mark, and not so much study as pester factor 25... I haven't had much exposure at all, but when studying dance and the music it always overlaps to there, Australia and New Zealand. Over time we've had a few crossings and I've taught some folks from down that way... Sadly, those 'crossings' have never been us arriving on those shores. I was heading there when I met the love of my life, and then illness in the family brought us back here. I had dreams of apprenticing with one of the finest instrument makers in the world who happened to live there. I also lost track of a friend who used to be very involved in the folk scene there in Australia... So all my knowledge and experience is second hand, but that doesn't put a damper on my appreciation and respect...
Back to my tipple tonight ~ Champs, and the bubbles are having their effect... I hope you manage to get that recording, as I'm sure you'll enjoy it...
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Hope you can make it over one day c. I'll raise a glass to you in, oh about 6 hours
# Posted on February 10th 2007 by whistlers brother
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
That'd be lovely... I have hopes too, we both do, and we've clinked glasses tonight to those future adventures...
Aside from those things already mentioned, music & dance ~ we appreciate the wines and good food from there too... One of our favourites was from there ~ sparkling shiraz, especially when the liquorice is pronounced...
# Posted on February 11th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
'Is' from there & we have one in the fridge for later this week. It's half term, my dear wife teaches primary and has the week off... If you luck out and make it to Canberra let me know how it goes... I've no doubt it will be great craic...
# Posted on February 11th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Sparkling Shiraz! Well well, I didn't realise that Aus variety had travelled so far. Which one is your favourite?
Hang on.
Suddenly remembered a recent thread on sticking to discussion of music on this site
# Posted on February 11th 2007 by whistlers brother
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
By the way, could you recommend a set you are playing at the moment. I WILL learn a bunch of new tunes before Canberra one way or another.
Garech's Wedding (also spelt Garrett's Wedding on Session 289) is a bit of a favourite at the moment, and sometimes we play it with The Butterfly. Curvey Fiddle, if you're there, how about that for Canberra??
# Posted on February 11th 2007 by whistlers brother
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Sounds great. I'm a beginner....so most of the tunes that I have memorised probably are in the 'tired' category....but they are on the DVDs and tutorial CD's I've been doing lots of learning from. ...or I'd learned them on the mandolin and have been appyling them to the fiddle.
I've memorised Bill Sullivan's polka and Britches Full of Stitches from the Kevin Burke DVD. Have a few more jigs (Saddle the Pony, Lilting Banshee, The Kesh, My Darling Asleep, Tobin's Favourite, Tripping up the Stairs, Geese in the Bog, Rose in the Heather, the Donegal version of the Irish Washerwoman, Scatter the Mud, Three Drummers, Shandon Bells, and Top of Cork Road)...and only The Silver Spear and Anderson's reels at the moment. Do know the Butterfly from mando days and will be able to brush it up and will now learn Garech's wedding. I'm going to Adrian Barkers Irish fiddle masterclass in the week before the festival.....so I guess I'll have acquired a couple of more tunes from that too!
# Posted on February 11th 2007 by FiddleFancy
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Just found this thread. Unfortunately I can't think of how best to answer your question, because I don't know what tunes people will be playing at the National this year either. I know some of the Sydney crowd are going to be there, including bb, my friend Ivan and my session partner in crime Mary, and the Trouble In The Kitchen people will be there with the Melbourne crowd. The problem is that all these people have rather large repertoires of 1000+ or into the thousands, and could come out with any tune pretty much, which is part of the fun of course, but impossible if you're trying to pin down what tunes to learn.
I can tell you for my part that I'm going to make an effort to learn some tunes off the CD Kenny posted in that link above. I'm also into Cian sets at the mo in a big way, after receiving their album "Three Shouts" from slainte off this website (thanks slainte!) so I can see myself playing some of their tunes, including the Silver Reel, which bb likes too. I'm obsessed by the 2 McKenna's reels at the moment for no apparent reason, and also the First Month Of Summer. Oh and Bill Nicholson's 67th which I just posted.
Tunes I like to play with Mary at our Sydney session - also for no apparent reason - are the Humours of Loughrea which she likes to start on her concertina, the Spike Island Lasses and Sweeney's Dream is a tune we've been playing a lot with Mary on fiddle. We also love Shandon Bells. As Mary says: "an oldie but a goodie". And the Gatehouse Maid and all those sorts of tunes. Mind you, that might have changed by the time Easter comes around and we could well be onto something else.
Also The One That Was Lost is gaining popularity, followed in Sydney sessions by Pull The Knife And Stick It Again. You can't go wrong with the The Broken Pledge but some people go and play it in Em and it's never as nice like that.
Flooded Road To Glenties is one tune that is 100% guaranteed especially if bb is around. Go to bb's profile and learn all the tunes on her YouTube posting with Ado and Katiebee - Palmer's Gate, Curlew, Kit O'Connor's - they're also bound to be played at some point.
I can see the Exile Of Erin being played, and if bb is there probably also the Pint Of Reference and all the funky syncopated Flook and Calico and McGoldrick tunes that are adored by bb and the Melbourne and Brisbane crowds, particularly the Ramnee Ceilidh set with Natterjack's and Conlagh's Big Day.
Someone always seems to start the Small Hills Of Offaly and Farewell to Old Decency set, which I love.
Tunes that I associate with last year's sessions are The Phoenix, and, bizarrely, the Holy Land, which I tend to associate with the old Bothy Band recording rather than the funky New Age, but there ya go - can't deny it's a great tune.
On the other hand, it's quite possible that these won't be played, although unlikely I think. I reckon at least a few of them will get an airing.
What I suggest is that you bring a recording device and record as many tunes as you can, and learn them from the recording. That way you'll get a good idea of what tunes get played, and you'll be able to prepare yourself for next year. Good luck!
# Posted on February 11th 2007 by Dr. Dow
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Well! thats got me going.
I really appreciate the clues, and no doubt there'll be heaps I don't know, but at least it's a start.There are a lot of benefits of living up the coast, but a few pitfalls as well. We'd love to visit a session in Sydney one day, so I've done the research on when and where. who knows, maybe when we come down for Lunasa.
Great stuff Dow.
# Posted on February 12th 2007 by whistlers brother
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
I however had that moment of panic I had every bloody sports carnival at school, when me who can't run to save myself, found I'd been talked into entering a race for the house points, knowing I'd finish humiliatingly a lap behind everyone else....but finishing anyway was the only way to get anything out of it!
It's so frustrating sometimes being an adult learner who knows how much I don't know!
# Posted on February 12th 2007 by FiddleFancy
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Warnings:
1.) Keep your polka sets to no more than a maximum of 4, and less would be best...
2.) I'm reviewing Dow's creative output and will submit a couple of ideas here later for consideration... Like with dogs, you know, they say if you rub their face in it they will stop doing it where you don't want them to...?!
# Posted on February 12th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
"A Good Night's Sleep" ~ a jig by Dow / Mark
Key signature: D Mixolydian ~ in 'Comments'
Submitted on December 20th 2005 by Dow.
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display.php/5328
# Posted on February 12th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
"The Imp In The Quarry" ~ another of Dow's / Mark's
Key signature: E Dorian ~ in the 'c'-omments
Submitted on January 6th 2005 by Dow.
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display.php/4075
# Posted on February 12th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
"Roddam Dene" ~ a hornpipe by Dow / Mark
Key signature: Gmajor
Submitted on January 16th 2005 by Dow.
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display.php/4109
# Posted on February 12th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Dow's reeling, chosen for the greater variety of possible instruments... "Tune the Flute" has to be a must, just for the title...and the visiting dignitary from Aberdeen...
There are three single and three double reels in all:
"The Sea Of Clouds" ~ single reel
Key signature: D Major
Submitted on November 2nd 2003 by Dow.
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display.php/2110
"Weep Not For What You've Lost" ~ single reel
Key signature: G Major
Submitted on March 25th 2004 by Dow.
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display/2710
"Colleen's Delight" ~ single reel
Key signature: G Major
Submitted on June 9th 2003 by Dow.
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display.php/1738
"Tune The Flute" ~ double reel
Key signature: G Major
Submitted on July 21st 2006 by Dow.
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display.php/6000
"Moving the Goalposts" ~ double reel
Key signature: G Major
Submitted on April 12th 2004 by Dow.
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display.php/2808
"Joanie's Reel" ~ double reel
Key signature: Dmajor
Submitted on August 2nd 2006 by Dow.
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display.php/6053
# Posted on February 12th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
So thats work on a couple or three tunes a day, and x days to go, carry the 4 plus double on weekends...........
and curvy, I was thinking along the lines of keep a stiff upper lip, but maybe that would only work for flutes and whistles? How about shoulders back and head up??? Go girl.
# Posted on February 12th 2007 by whistlers brother
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
OK, I really have no idea how to hold a fiddle
# Posted on February 12th 2007 by whistlers brother
Session Hell at the National?
For those who've never been to the National before, I really should warn you about the 'Session Experience' (as it's called in the festival brochure). Often the whole Session Bar area is full of various groups of people trying hard to out-play the neighbouring sessions, which might be some bluegrass outfit or massed accordions blasting away! Be prepared to be assaulted by a cacophony of clashing sessions belting away in close proximity, with the sound of double bass or congas drifting across the room to interfere with your tunes. Sometimes I've felt like I've just walked into Session Hell - (or maybe it was those bad mushies).
Sometimes, usually after all the sane people are fast asleep, I've heard great music happening and it makes it all worthwhile (or it could be those mushies kicking in ....)
I'd love someone to convince me I've got it all wrong, and I should just stick to drinking guinness.
# Posted on February 13th 2007 by dogbox
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Give me some of your mushies and I'll tell you if they're bad or not.
# Posted on February 13th 2007 by Dr. Dow
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Hi Ian, you're so right about the session hall at the National. The words 'cacophony' and 'competition' certainly do come to my mind every time I think about that place.
On the other hand, players such as myself, with more modest tunelists, could always stick as close as possible to that great man, Billy Moran, who was always there and always willing to share the music, including generous doses of all the 'old standards'. Sadly, that will be no longer possible. He had a passionate belief in inclusive sessions and will be sorely missed by everyone.
# Posted on February 13th 2007 by greg.box
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Dow,
say please ...
(I can't believe the poor manners youngsters have these days)
# Posted on February 13th 2007 by dogbox
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Pleeeeeeeease.
# Posted on February 13th 2007 by Dr. Dow
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Tonight I'm going to play a few, and a big thankyou to all who've responded. No matter what age you are, entering a new way of communicating, with people you've never met, is a nervy experience. Ta for making me feel welcome!
# Posted on February 13th 2007 by whistlers brother
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
"Session Hell" ~ at other events we always went other than to the 'organized' venues to play, something more laid back and less of a fight. An example would be the Clancy Summer School, we didn't tend to stay in Miltown and some of the best sessions were out in the open...
Here's just one more local composition, a jig by a resident of the land of Oz, just added here, that is simple and jolly and would be an easy learn but also allows folks some play...as I've been enjoying today. It seems very familiar, but that is a good sign:
"Mr Green's Pipe Box" ~ a jig by JACKB
Key signature: G Major
Submitted on February 12th 2007 by JACKB.
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display/6797
# Posted on February 13th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
sorry Dow,
I wouldn't want to be held responsible for corrupting your innocence - and that pitiful pleading will get you nowhere, young man.
# Posted on February 14th 2007 by dogbox
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Here's some of the tunes I can remember playing at some point between Thursday and Monday:
REELS
The Abbey
The Abbeyleix [Sean Ryan]
Aggie Whyte’s
Anderson’s (Pretty Girls Of The Village)
The Antrim Rose [Paddy O’Brien Offaly]
Are You Ready Yet? [Tom Doorley]
The Ashplant
The Aughacashel [Josephine Keegan]
The Bag Of Spuds #1
The Bag Of Spuds #2
The Bank Of Ireland
The Banks Of The Illen
The Banshee [James McMahon]
The Barge Inn [Paddy O’Brien Nenagh]
The Barrowburn [Addie Harper]
The Beauty Spot
The Belles Of Tipperary (The New Policeman)
The Bird In The Bush
Black Pat's [Tommy Peoples]
The Blackberry Blossom
The Black-eyed Sailor (Sheehan’s)
The Blacksmith’s
The Blockers [Sean Ryan]
The Bloom Of Youth
Bob McQuillen’s
Boil The Breakfast Early
Bonnie Anne #1
Bonnie Anne #2
Bonny Kate
The Boogie [John Nolan]
The Boy In The Boat
The Boys Of Ballisodare
The Boys Of Malin
The Boys On The Hilltop
Brenda Stubbert’s [Jerry Holland]
Brendan McMahon’s
The Broken Pledge
The Bucks Of Oranmore
The Bunch Of Currants (Esther’s, The Three-headed Monster, Miss Brady’s)
The Bunch Of Green Rushes
The Bunch Of Keys (3-part)
Bunker Hill
The Bush In Bloom
The Cameronian
The Cape Breton Fiddler’s Welcome To Shetland
Carmel Mahoney Mulhaire [Martin Mulhaire]
Castle Kelly
The Chicago
Christmas Eve [Tommy Coen]
The Coachman’s Whip [Vincent Broderick]
The College Groves
The Collier’s
Colonel Rodger’s Favourite (John McKenna’s #1)
Come West Along The Road
The Commodore [Billy McComiskey]
The Concert
The Concertina
The Congress
The Connaught Heifers
Cooley’s (Luttrell’s Pass)
The Corner House
The Cottage In The Grove (Tommy Coen’s, The Crosses Of Annagh)
Craig’s Pipes
The Crib Of Perches
The Crooked Road To Dublin
The Crosses Of Annagh (Bobby Casey’s) [Michael Dwyer]
Crossing The Shannon
Crowley's #1
Crowley's #2
The Culfadda [Larry Redican]
The Cup Of Tea
The Curlew [Josephine Keegan]
The Custom Gap (The Mills Are Grinding)
The Dairy Maid
Derry Craig Wood (Mulvihill’s) [Fr. P.J. Kelly]
The Destitution [Ian Stevenson]
Devanny’s Goat
The Dogs Among The Bushes
Donald Blue
The Donegal
The Doonagore (Micho Russell's)
Dowd’s #9
Down The Broom
Drowsy Maggie
The Drunken Landlady
The Drunken Tinker
The Dublin
The Duke Of Leinster
The Dunmore Lasses
The Earl's Chair
The East Clare
Eileen Curran (The Sailor’s Return)
The Enchanted Lady
Farewell To Connaught
Farewell To Miltown [Junior Crehan]
Farrel O’Gara’s
Father Kelly’s (Rossmore Jetty)
The First House In Connaught
The First Month Of Summer
The Five Mile Chase
The Flax In Bloom
The Floating Crowbar [Brendan McGlinchey]
The Flowers Of Red Hill (The Hills Of Clogher)
The Flowers Of The Red Mill
For The Sake Of Old Decency
The Four Courts
The Four Mile Stone [Arthur Darley]
The Fox On The Town [Richard Dwyer]
The Galtee
The Galway Rambler
Garrett Barry’s
The Gatehouse Maid
The Gates Of Mullagh [Josephine Keegan]
Geoghan’s (Eileen O'Callaghan's)
George White’s Favourite
The Glass Of Beer
Glen Allen
The Glen Of Aherlow (Lafferty’s) [Sean Ryan]
The Glencolmcille
Glountane School – 1862 [Terry “Cuz” Teehan]
The Golden Keyboard [Martin Mulhaire]
The Gooseberry Bush
Gorman’s
The Graf Spee
The Green Fields Of America
The Green Fields Of Glentown [Tommy Peoples]
The Green Fields Of Rossbeigh
The Green Groves Of Erin
The Green Mountain
The Guns Of The Magnificent Seven [Fintan McManus]
Hand Me Down The Tackle
Hanly’s Tweed [Paddy O’Brien Nenagh]
The Happy Days Of Youth (John McKenna’s #2)
The Heathery Braes
The Heathery Cruach
The Heights Of Muingbhathá [Tom Fleming]
The High Road To Glin [Martin Mulvihill]
The Holly Bush [Finbar Dwyer]
The Holy Land
The Honeymoon
The House Of Hamill [Ed Reavy]
Hughie Travers’ #1
The Humours Of Lissadell
The Humours Of Scarriff
The Humours Of Tulla
The Humours Of Westport
The Hunter’s House [Ed Reavy]
I'm Ready Now!
In And Out The Harbour
The Ivy Leaf
Jackie Coleman’s #1
Jackson’s #1
Jackson’s #2
Jenny’s Chickens
Jenny Picking Cockles #1
Jenny Picking Cockles #2
Jenny’s Wedding
Jenny's Welcome To Charlie
John McFadden’s Favourite
The Jolly Clamdiggers (The Blackthorn)
The Jug Of Punch
Julia Delaney’s
The Killarney Boys Of Pleasure
The Killavil Fancy (The Ten Pound Float)
King Of The Clans
Kiss Me Kate
Kit O’Connor’s
Kitty’s Gone A-Milking
The Knotted Cord [Junior Crehan]
The Kylebrack Rambler [Finbar Dwyer]
La Cosa Mulligan (Jackson’s) [Tommy Peoples]
Lad O’Beirne’s #1 (G)
Lad O’Beirne’s #2 (F)
The Lads Of Laois
The Ladies’ Choice #1 [Charlie Lennon] (as reel)
The Ladies’ Choice #2 [Charlie Lennon]
Lady Anne Montgomery
The Lady On The Island
Larry Redican’s Bow
Larry’s Favourite [Paddy O’Brien Nenagh]
Last Night’s Fun
Launching The Boat
The Leitrim Lilter [Charlie Lennon]
Leslie’s
The Letterkenny Blacksmith [Ed Reavy]
The Limerick Lasses
The Limestone Rock
Little Katie Taylor [Paddy Taylor]
The Log Cabin
Lomanach Cross (Cros An Lomanaigh, Sean Maguire’s, The Fourpenny Bit)
The London Lasses
The Long Drop [Richard Twomey]
The Long Strand
A Long Way From Home (The Trip To Kinvara) [Martin Mulhaire]
The Longford Collector
The Longford Tinker (The Longford Spinster)
Lord Gordon’s
Lord McDonald’s
Love At The Endings [Ed Reavy]
Lucy Campbell’s
Maddy Donovan’s [Adrian Barker]
Maggie’s Pancakes [Stuart Morrison]
The Maids Of Mitchelstown
The Maids Of Mount Kisco
Mama’s Pet #1
Mama’s Pet #2
The Man Of The House
The Margaree
Martin Wynne’s #1
Martin Wynne’s #2
Martin Wynne’s #3
Master McDermott’s
Maud Millar #1
Maudabawn Chapel [Ed Reavy]
Mayor Harrison’s Fedora
McDonagh’s #2
McFadden’s Handsome Daughter
McGovern’s Favourite
The Milliner’s Daughter
Miss McLeod’s
Miss Thornton’s
The Mistress On The Floor (Bean a’ Tí ar Lár)
The Monaghan Twig
The Morning Dew
The Morning Mist [Joe Burke]
The Morning Star
The Mossy Banks
The Mountain Top
Mulhaire’s #9 [Martin Mulhaire]
The Mullingar Races
Mulqueen’s
Music In The Glen
The Musical Priest
My Love Is In America
Natterjack’s [Colin Farrell]
The New Copperplate
A Night In Ennis (Jim Kelly’s)
The Nine Points Of Roguery
The Noisy Curlew (Jack Maguire’s)
Now She's Purring (Callaghan’s)
O’Connell's Trip To Parliament
The Old Bush
The Old Copperplate
The Old Dudeen
The Old Schoolmaster
The Otter’s Holt [Junior Crehan]
Over The Bog Road (The Hurricane’s Victory)
Over The Moor To Maggie
Paddy Murphy’s Wife
Paddy Taylor’s
The Palm Tree [Billy McComiskey]
Palmer’s Gate [Joe Liddy]
Patsy Touhey’s
The Peeler’s Jacket
The Pigeon On The Gate #1
The Pigeon On The Gate #2
Pint Of Reference [Gráda]
The Plough And The Stars [Larry Redican?]
Poor But Happy At 53 (Michael Tennyson’s)
The Pretty Girls Of Mayo
The Primrose Lasses
The Providence
Rachael Rae
Rags And Tatters [Larry Redican]
The Rainy Day #1
The Rainy Day #2
Rakish Paddy
The Rambling Sailor
The Reconciliation
The Red-haired Lass
Repeal Of The Union
The Return To Camden Town
The Return To Miltown (The Ferry Banks)
Rip The Calico (The Clogher)
The Road To Ballymac [Leslie Craig]
Rocky’s
Roddy McDonald’s Fancy [Donald MacLeod]
Ronnie Cooper [Josephine Keegan]
The Roscommon
The Sailor’s Bonnet
The Sally Gardens
The Sandmount
The Scartaglen
Sean Reid’s
Sean Sa Cheo (Johnny In The Fog)
Sergeant Early’s Dream
Shamrock Hill [Sean Ryan]
The Shaskeen
Sheila Coyle’s
The Ships Are Sailing
The Shoemaker’s Daughter [Ed Reavy]
The Silver Spear
The Silver Spire
The Skylark [James Morrison]
Sleep Soond In Da Moarnin’
The Sligo Maid
The Small Hills Of Offaly [Paddy O’Brien Offaly]
Solus Lillis’
Speed The Plough (Tom Billy’s)
The Spike Island Lasses
The Star Of Munster
The Steampacket
Stony Steps
The Sunny Banks
The Sunset [Cathal McConnell & Seamus Quinn]
The Swallow’s Nest [Paddy O’Brien]
Sweeney’s Dream
Sweeney’s Buttermilk [Brendan McGlinchey]
Swinging On A Gate
The Sword In The Hand
Tarbolton Lodge
The Templehouse
That’s Right Too [Liz Carroll]
Tim Moloney’s
Tom Ward’s Downfall (The Mourne Mountains)
Tommy Peoples’ #1 (G)
Tommy Peoples’ #2 (Bm)
Toss The Feathers #2
Trim The Velvet
The Trip To Cullenstown [Phil Murphy]
The Trip To Durrow
The Trip To Pakistan [Niall Kenny]
The Turnpike
The Twelve Pins [Charlie Lennon]
Twilight In Portroe [Sean Ryan]
Two Days To Go [Diarmaid Moynihan]
The Virginia
The Whole Chicken In The Soup (Maggie Pickens)
The Wild Irishman
The Wind That Shakes The Barley
Windbroke [Mick McGoldrick]
The Windmill [Ciaran Curran]
Within A Mile Of Dublin
The Woman Of The House
The Yellow Tinker
JIGS
Andy De Jarlis’
Apples In Winter
Banish Misfortune
The Banks Of Lough Gowna
The Battering Ram
Behind The Haystack
Biddy The Bold
Bill Sullivan’s
The Black Rogue
The Blarney Pilgrim
The Blue Idol
The Bluebells Are Blooming [Michael Dwyer]
Brady’s
Brid Harper’s
The Burnt Old Man
The Butcher’s March
By Golly (Jimmy Neary’s)
Calliope House [Dave Richardson]
The Castle [Sean Ryan]
Christy Barry’s
The Cliffs Of Moher
Condon’s Frolics
The Connaughtman’s Rambles
Culcrevie (I Lost My Love And I Care Not, I Found My Love In The Morning, Bundle And Go)
The Cullen (Cuilinn Uí Chaoimh)
Dancing Eyes [Sean Ryan]
Doctor O’Neill’s
Donnybrook Fair (The Joy Of My Life)
Dusty Windowsills [Johnny Harling]
Fasten The Leggin’
Father O’Flynn (Top Of The Cork Road)
The Flowers Of Spring (Tom Billy’s)
The Frost Is All Over
Glasgow Gaelic Club
Gallagher’s Frolics
Garrett Barry's
Gillan's Apples
The Hag At The Churn
The Hag With The Money
The Haunted House [Vincent Broderick]
Have A Drink With Me
The Hawthorn Hedge
Health To The Ladies (Sweet Biddy Daly’s)
The High Part Of The Road
The Humours Of Ballyloughlin
The Humours Of Glendart
The Humours Of Lisheen
The Humours Of Trim (The Rolling Waves)
I Buried My Wife And Danced On Her Grave
I Ne’er Shall Wean Her
Ingonish [Mike MacDougall]
Jim Ward’s
Joe Derrane’s
Joe John Kelly’s
The Kerfunten [Hammy Hamilton]
The Kesh
The Kilfenora #1
The Knocknagow
Langstrom’s Pony
The Lark In The Morning
The Lark On The Strand
Larry O’Gaff’s
The Legacy
The Leitrim Fancy
The Lilting Fisherman
The Loughing Spoons [Carl Hession]
Lucy Farr’s
The Luaithreadán’s [Scully Casey]
The Maid At The Well
The Maid On The Green
March From Oscar And Malvina (Leslie’s March) [Maria De Caro]
Matt Hayes’
Michael Dwyer’s (Connie O’Connell’s)
The Mist On The Meadows
The Mist-covered Mountain [Junior Crehan]
The Mug Of Brown Ale
Muireann’s [Niall Vallely]
Munster Bacon
Munster Buttermilk
My Darling Asleep
The Nightingale [Sean Ryan]
The Old Flail [Vincent Broderick]
Old Joe’s
The Old Tipperary
Out On The Ocean
Paddy Fahy’s (Gdor)
Paddy O’Rafferty
Palm Sunday
Pay The Reckoning (Jackson’s Bottle Of Brandy)
The Pipe On The Hob #1
The Pipe On The Hob #2
Pull The Knife And Stick It In Again
Quilty Shore (Scully Casey’s)
The Rakes Of Clonmel
The Rambles Of Mike [Carl Hession]
The Rambling Pitchfork
The Roaring Barmaid [Tony Sullivan]
The Rollicking Boys Of Tanderagee
The Rose In The Heather
Scatter The Mud (The Noonday Feast)
The Scotsman Over The Border
Sixpenny Money
Spórt [Peadar O’Riada]
Stan Chapman’s (Willie’s Trip To Toronto) [Jerry Holland]
The Steamboat Quickstep (The Kilfenora #2)
Strike The Gay Harp
The Tenpenny Bit (G)
Thompson’s
Tom Billy’s
The Trip To Killavil
The Trip To Sligo
A Trip To The Cottage
Up And About In The Morning
The Wheels Of The World
The Whistling Postman [Charlie Mulvihill]
Willie Coleman’s (Mice In The Cupboard)
The Woodcock [Hammy Hamilton]
HORNPIPES
Bonaparte Crossing The Rhine
The Cuckoo’s Nest
The Drunken Sailor’s
The Hills Of Coore [Junior Crehan]
The Stack Of Rye [Junior Crehan]
SLIP/HOP JIGS
The Boys Of Ballysodare
The Butterfly
The Choice Wife (An Phis Fhliuch)
The Cock And The Hen
Dever The Dancer
Drops Of Brandy
The Fairy
Farewell To Whalley Range [Mike McGoldrick]
A Fig For A Kiss
Gort Na Mona [Michael Rooney]
The Humours Of Ballymanus
The Humours Of Whiskey
The Little Fair Cannavans
The Striking Clock [Gráda]
Tigh Rabhartaigh [Michael Rooney]
The Whinney Hills Of Leitrim
+ some polkas and slides I suppose, but I don't remember playing any myself, and the only fling I remember playing is the Road To Gloutane.
# Posted on April 11th 2007 by Dr. Dow
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
erm, you left out the flying wheelchair. my god dow, what is wrong with your memory, and you weren't even drinking that much....
# Posted on April 11th 2007 by sneetch
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Ah, but I never played that tune this weekend. Maybe if you'd played tunes with me and not totally avoided me I might have got to play it
# Posted on April 11th 2007 by Dr. Dow
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
oooh, marthared.
# Posted on April 11th 2007 by sneetch
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
is that how you spell it?
# Posted on April 11th 2007 by sneetch
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
LOL.
Oh PS I found the name of that tune you taught me. Apparently it's called Roddy McDonald's Fancy. Not a very exciting/memorable name is it?
# Posted on April 11th 2007 by Dr. Dow
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Oh and PPS, I just tried to go to bed but too many stay-awake-till-8am nights have messed up my internal clock, which is why I'm net surfing
# Posted on April 11th 2007 by Dr. Dow
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
yeah, I didn't sleep at night till Mon- we tried to play in the kitchen last night but everyone was pretty incapable. My whole body hurts at this stage. It was worth it though, one of the best yet I reckon. Only 358 days to go
# Posted on April 11th 2007 by sneetch
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
So here are some stats:
(Caveat - of course a tune or two might have been wrongly classified, but the gist of it should be OK.)
A) 255 of the 473 tunes on the list above are not on any other of the lists discussed recently
B) 28 (47%) of "Dow's core 60" were played by him at the National
C) 66 (67%) of the 98 played one night in Kelly's in March were played by him at the National
D) 64 (71%) of the 90 played one night in Kelly's in April were played by him at the National
E) 14 were played at both those Kelly's sessions - 13 of these were played.
And for my really personal interest:
F) Only 20% of the tunes I know got aired, but then I know relatively few reels.
E) Restricting the analysis to the 99 jigs and reels I know (out of 245 tunes at the count when this list was prepared), 49 (49%) got played.
# Posted on April 12th 2007 by Linsey Doyle
Re: Tunes for the National, Canberra
Hmm, interesting. You'd maybe also have to take into account that the sessions I chose to go to were mostly with the older musicians who were into stuff like the Bothy Band and Planxty, so the tunes were mostly traditional session standards. I spent very little time playing with the younger crowd in faster sessions, mainly because I prefer my tunes at a relaxed pace. In the faster sessions there would be more tunes from bands like Flook, Grada, Tabache, Cian etc, and also (relatively) recently released solo/duet albums like for instance Andy Morrow/Tony O'Connell. If I'd spent more time at these sessions you'd probably have less correlation with the Kelly's session tunes, and also with the core tunes list, mainly because the young funky crowd would rather gouge their own insides out with a crowbar than play Drowsy Maggie tunes.
# Posted on April 12th 2007 by Dr. Dow